Biber’s Mystery Sonatas offer a feast of violinistic challenges, from the different tunings required in each of the 16 works, to exposed, virtuosic writing that loses its spiritual import when played for mere effect. Gunnar Letzbor’s lively, imaginative playing admirably fuses style and drama. He also utilizes two different period violins, each with its own distinctive timbre and colorations. Similarly, the continuo chores are divided between lute, organ, and harpsichord, providing ample textural and expressive variety. The warm recorded sound transports you from your listening room to an intimate stage, where you can comfortably nestle among these marvelous instrumentalists.
